Matthew Stafford’s recent contract with the Los Angeles Rams solidifies his elite status in the NFL and reflects the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber squad around him.
The deal, with significant signing bonuses, performance incentives, and structured salary caps, sets a benchmark for future quarterback deals and signals the Rams’ dedication to maintaining a competitive edge.
With Stafford at the helm, the team’s aspirations for consecutive Super Bowl appearances are more tangible, raising the stakes for upcoming seasons.
This contract not only reinforces Stafford’s value but also impacts the market for elite quarterbacks, potentially pushing other teams to reevaluate their own financial strategies.
As the Rams continue to invest heavily in key players, their ambitious approach could set a new standard for success in the NFL. With Stafford signed long-term, the Rams can focus on developing younger talent and fine-tuning their roster.
Matthew Stafford Current Contract
Matthew Stafford’s current contract with the Los Angeles Rams exemplifies the team’s commitment to securing top talent. The comprehensive deal underscores both his value and the Rams’ dedication to building a competitive roster.
Extension Details
In 2022, Matthew Stafford signed a four-year extension with the Rams worth $160 million, with $135 million guaranteed, demonstrating the team’s confidence in him.
The deal, which includes a $60 million signing bonus, aims to retain Stafford through the 2026 season, offering stability at the quarterback position.
It also showcases the Rams’ strategic cap management to maintain flexibility for future roster moves, signaling their intent to build around Stafford’s veteran leadership and skills.
Contract Notes
The contract contains key incentives and bonuses, such as roster bonuses for Stafford if he stays with the team at the start of each league year and performance incentives for reaching statistical milestones and playoff appearances.
It includes a no-trade clause, giving Stafford control over his future, and allows the team to manage the salary cap effectively, ensuring long-term financial stability.
This arrangement reflects a mutual commitment between Stafford and the organization for sustained success.
Cash Flows
Stafford’s contract cash flows indicate strategic financial planning by the Rams, with an initial two-year payout of $62 million and an average annual salary of $40 million.
Deferred payments and back-loaded incentives help manage the salary cap while ensuring Stafford is well-compensated.
This structure provides flexibility for future roster adjustments, securing Stafford’s tenure and positioning the Rams to maintain a competitive team in upcoming seasons.
Matthew Stafford Contract History
Matthew Stafford has had a series of significant contracts throughout his career, reflecting his value in the NFL.
2022–2026 Extension
In 2022, Stafford secured a four-year, $160 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams. This contract includes $60 million as a signing bonus and $135 million guaranteed.
It stretches through the 2026 season and provides the Rams with a stable quarterback position. Notably, the deal boasts financial incentives such as roster bonuses and performance-related incentives, alongside a no-trade clause granting Stafford control over his career trajectory.
The contract balances immediate financial rewards with long-term stability, exemplifying strategic financial planning by the Rams.
2017–2022 Extension
Back in 2017, Stafford signed a five-year, $135 million contract with the Detroit Lions. This extension featured a $50 million signing bonus and included $92 million guaranteed.
With an annual salary averaging $27 million, this deal was noteworthy at the time as it made Stafford the highest-paid player in the NFL. It provided significant financial security and recognized his value as the Lions’ franchise quarterback.
2013–2017 Extension
In 2013, Stafford signed a three-year, $53 million extension with the Lions, guaranteeing him $41.5 million through 2017.
He continued to showcase his skills, notably completing 23 of 35 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a victory over the Chicago Bears on September 29.
His consistent performance led to another substantial contract in 2017, a five-year, $135 million extension, which made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time, reflecting his significant value to the team.
2009–2015 Rookie Deal
Stafford began his career in 2009 with a six-year, $72 million rookie contract with the Detroit Lions. In 2017, he signed a five-year, $135 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at that time.
Recently, he joined the Los Angeles Rams and signed another lucrative extension, continuing to be one of the top-paid quarterbacks in the league.
This latest deal underscores Stafford’s value and consistency as a premier quarterback and positions the Rams for sustained success in upcoming seasons.
Career Earnings
Matthew Stafford’s career earnings reflect his journey as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
Earnings By Team
Stafford’s earnings have mainly come from two teams. Starting with the Detroit Lions, he initially signed a six-year $72 million rookie deal in 2009. In 2013, he secured a three-year $53 million extension.
Later, in 2017, he became the highest-paid player in the NFL following a five-year $135 million contract. Stafford joining the Los Angeles Rams marked a new chapter in 2021.
Though the specifics of his initial contract with the Rams aren’t highlighted, his 2022 four-year $160 million extension, with $135 million guaranteed, stands out.
Total Career Earnings
Over his career, Stafford has amassed significant earnings. From the Lions alone, his contracts totaled $260 million, combining the 2009 rookie deal, the 2013 extension, and the 2017 groundbreaking contract.
Transitioning to the Rams, his lucrative 2022 deal contributes an additional $160 million, making his career total exceed $420 million as of 2023.
This impressive financial achievement underscores Stafford’s value and skill as an elite NFL quarterback. His contracts reflect the trust and investment teams place in his leadership and performance on the field.
Career APY
Calculating the Average Per Year (APY) reveals Stafford’s consistent growth in value. With the Lions, his APY increased from $12 million during the rookie phase to $27 million after his 2017 contract.
With the Rams, his recent four-year extension sets his APY at $40 million. This upward trend underscores Stafford’s escalating market value, successful contract negotiations, and his status as a top-tier NFL quarterback.
These deals have influenced team dynamics and salary cap management for both his current and former teams.
Season Statistics
Matthew Stafford’s 2022 season with the Los Angeles Rams featured elite performance, amassing 4,886 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 66.9% completion rate with only 17 interceptions.
He led the Rams to a 12-5 regular-season record and excelled in the playoffs, contributing 1,188 yards and 9 touchdowns across four games, ending with a Super Bowl victory.
This success justified his four-year, $160 million contract extension with $135 million guaranteed, cementing his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.
The contract highlights Stafford’s value and the Rams’ commitment to maintaining a competitive edge, aiming to build on recent success with Stafford’s leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matthew Stafford’s current contract worth?
Matthew Stafford’s current contract with the Los Angeles Rams is a four-year extension worth $160 million, including $135 million guaranteed.
How long does Matthew Stafford’s contract with the Rams last?
Matthew Stafford’s contract extension with the Rams extends through the 2026 season.
What key features are included in Matthew Stafford’s contract?
The contract includes roster bonuses, performance incentives, and a no-trade clause, ensuring Stafford has control over his future.
How does the Rams’ contract structure for Stafford benefit the team?
The structure allows the Rams to manage their salary cap effectively, with substantial immediate earnings for Stafford and an average annual salary of $40 million.
What was Matthew Stafford’s previous contract with the Detroit Lions worth?
In 2017, Stafford signed a five-year, $135 million contract with the Detroit Lions, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at that time.
Conclusion
Matthew Stafford’s four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, which includes $135 million guaranteed, underscores his elite status and reflects the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.
This deal, featuring key incentives and a no-trade clause, shows strategic financial planning and confidence in Stafford’s leadership.
With career earnings exceeding $420 million and a Super Bowl victory in 2022, Stafford’s performance justifies this significant investment.
His veteran presence and playmaking abilities are invaluable to the Rams as they strive for sustained success, with his contract serving as a cornerstone for their offense.
As the Rams look to capitalize on their Super Bowl momentum, Stafford’s deal not only secures their quarterback position but also sets a high standard for future negotiations.
Balancing hefty contracts while maintaining roster depth will be crucial for the Rams’ continued dominance in the NFL.
Ashley Hopkinson